THE FEDERAL FUSION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3010, 22 February 1917, Page 5

THE FEDERAL FUSION

' DISSENSION AMONGST THE LIBERALS EARLY ELECTION LIKELY (Rec. February 21, 6.40 p.m.) Melbourne, February 21. It. is freely stated that the Liberals are not a happy family over the Ministorial fusion. A strong section was opposed to tbe Coalition and is annoyed at being beaten on the issue.' Another disturbing factor is tbo selection of Sir William Irvine to accompany Mr. Hughes to the Imperial Conference, where, Mr. Hughea has officially announced, he will have similar status to the other representatives.'. Sir William Irvine won disfavour when, he sacrificed his chance of inclusion in tbe Ministry by openly stating that he was still in favour of conscription, and advocating a second conscription..referendum. Some of the Liberals whose constituents gave a strong anti-conscrip-tion vote urge that his.recognition, by the party is likely..to. cost 'them a lot . of votes at the forthcoming elections. There is much speculation on the duration of the present Parliament. As the Ministry has decided that 'twere must be no pandering to the Opposition, it is considered probable that in the event of fhe- Senate obstructing legislation there will be an. early appeal jo the electors.—Press AsEocia*. tion'. . ,•■■• . A CENSURE MOTION. "' ■ ■ ; (Rec. February 21;• 9.45 p.m.) , i Melbourne, February 21. Mr. Hughes has announced definitely that Sir John Forrest will accompany'; him to the Imperial Conference. It is anticipated -that Mr. Tudoi will move a censure motion when the House meets. —Press Association. '■